What does Genesis 50:23 mean?
And Joseph saw Ephraim’s children of the third generation: the children also of Machir the son Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph’s knees. Genesis 50:23
Explanation
Genesis 50:23 describes the later years of Joseph’s life. Here, we find Joseph witnessing the birth and rearing of his descendants. The verse reveals that Joseph saw Ephraim’s children to the third generation. Ephraim was one of Joseph’s two sons, born in Egypt before the arrival of the famine. Additionally, this verse mentions the children of Machir, who was the son of Manasseh, Joseph’s other son. It signifies that Machir’s children were treated with familial intimacy by Joseph, as they were “brought up upon Joseph’s knees,” an expression indicating that Joseph played a part in their upbringing and perhaps their blessing. The verse reflects the continuation of Joseph’s lineage and the fulfillment of God’s covenantal promises.
Historical Context
Genesis 50:23 takes place many years after Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, rose to power in Egypt, and eventually reconciled with his family during the time of famine. Joseph’s rise and subsequent role in the preservation of Israel during famine is a fulfillment of God’s promise to his great-grandfather Abraham to make his descendants a great nation. The mention of multiple generations of descendants signals the ongoing growth of Israel’s tribes during their sojourn in Egypt, setting the stage for the events of the Exodus.
Theological Insights
Theologically, this verse can be seen from multiple perspectives. In a covenantal framework, it is a representation of the promise given to Abraham being carried down through Joseph’s line. The verse shows God’s faithfulness in sustaining Joseph’s family, highlighting divine providence and generational blessings. The act of children being brought up on one’s knees can also be connected to the concept of adoption and the covenant relationship God has with His people. This could signify Joseph’s role in passing on the covenant promises to the next generation.
Practical Applications
In daily life, Genesis 50:23 echoes the importance of family, heritage, and the role of elders in nurturing younger generations. It emphasizes the value of maintaining family connections and the role of grandparents or elder family members in the upbringing of children. Joseph’s involvement in his great-grandchildren’s lives illustrates the impact and legacy that one generation can impart to another, both in terms of values and spiritual blessings.
Cross-References
- Genesis 48:16: “The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.”
- Genesis 48:20: “And he blessed them that day, saying, In thee shall Israel bless, saying, God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh: and he set Ephraim before Manasseh.”
- Exodus 1:7: “And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.”
Language Study
In the original Hebrew text, “brought up upon Joseph’s knees” translates to עַל-בִּרְכַּי יוֹסֵף (al-birkay Yosef), with “birkay” meaning “knees”. This idiom likely conveys the idea of a close, nurturing relationship, possibly one where a grandfather figure takes an active role in raising a child. The phrase may have connotations of adoption or acceptance into the family line.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
In the broader cultural and religious context of the ancient Near East, there are parallels to the idea of familial blessings and the involvement of patriarchs in their descendants’ lives. Many cultures placed strong emphasis on heritage and the continuation of one’s line. In other ancient myths, gods and heroes often interact with multiple generations, offering blessings or curses that affect lineage. The emphasis on genealogy and generational blessings is not unique to the Hebrew Bible but is particularly significant in its narrative structure and theological messages.
Scientific Perspectives
While Genesis 50:23 does not directly intersect with the scientific disciplines, modern anthropology and population genetics can offer some insights into the migration and growth of populations. The verse describes a family’s growth over several generations, and science can track such expansions through genetic markers and migration patterns. Additionally, studies in development psychology affirm the role that elders play in the psychological and cultural upbringing of children, similar to what is depicted in Joseph’s relationship with his descendants.
commentaries
Commentaries on Genesis 50:23 offer various interpretations and emphases. Some focus on the fulfillment of God’s promises and the blossoming of Joseph’s lineage. Others might stress the importance of Joseph’s role as a father figure, even to his great-grandchildren, and the cultural implications of being brought up on the knees. Matthew Henry’s Commentary notes the comfort that Joseph received in his old age by seeing his offspring, indicating God’s rewards to the faithful. Others like The Pulpit Commentary explore the depth of the family connections and the integration of Manasseh’s and Ephraim’s lines as part of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Advertisement: